Opinion: Jarrod Bowen would be a perfect upgrade on Theo Walcott at Everton

Everton supporters have been left frustrated by the incredibly underwhelming performances of Theo Walcott since he arrived at the club last January, but a recent report suggests they could replace the England international with an exciting prodigy this year, namely Jarrod Bowen.

Walcott is one of those players who promised so much as a youngster but never managed to live up to the enormous hype. His poor decision-making was excused as a natural byproduct of inexperience during his formative years, but a career spent at the top level of European football has failed to stimulate much by way of improvement.

His performances regularly frustrate Everton fans but, according to a recent report from football.london, Marco Silva is interested in signing a new player to challenge him for a starting berth in the shape of Bowen, Hull City’s crown jewel.

Indeed, the report claims Silva is an admirer of Bowen, a player who he worked with during his brief spell as manager of Hull between January and May 2017.

The left-footed right-winger is one of those exciting talents who compels supporters to rise from their seats when he is in possession. Boasting tight ball control and a natural desire to take on his opposite number, Bowen is a menace given time and space to exploit, and that’s without mentioning his goal scoring prowess, which is superb.

Bowen has already scored 13 goals from 27 appearances this season and, combined with his return of three assists, he contributes around a goal every other game on average.

Of course, it must be considered that the step up to top-flight football would pose a notable challenge for the 22-year-old and a period of adjustment would be needed to allow him to settle in at Goodison Park, but with the right level of patience he could follow the likes of James Maddison and David Brooks in making the successful transition to top-flight football.

And considering Bowen’s price-tag is currently floating around the £18 million mark, Silva could complete a reunion in an excellent value for money deal this month.